Lees-McRae Summer Theatre celebrates country’s semiquincentennial with “America 250”
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and Director of Summer Theatre Janet Speer has thrown her hat into the celebratory ring with her latest original musical, “America 250.” The show will be performed as part of this season’s Lees-McRae Summer Theatre lineup Tuesday, June 30 through Sunday, July 5.
Speer wrote and will direct the musical, which tells the story of a group of performers assembling a show in celebration of the nation’s big anniversary. We follow Aaron, the show’s director, as he attempts to wrangle 35 choral singers, various instrumentalists, a historian, and a writer as they agree and disagree on which music should represent the United States in their production.
“They look for new angles, for tried-and-true songs with fresh arrangements, songs grander in scope, and wider in appeal. Questions are asked, but in ways that will make you laugh,” Speer said. “As we all navigate who we are as a country, we know there are times when we adore her, when we shout at her, and when we are sad or happy for her, but ultimately, we are grateful that 250 years ago, she was born.”
The resulting show brings together beloved patriotic favorites and hidden musical gems to create an emotional story featuring singing, dancing, and storytelling about America’s 250-year journey.
There will be four matinee performances of “America 250” at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1; Thursday, July 2; Friday, July 3; and Sunday, July 5. There will also be two evening performances at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 and Friday, July 3. All performances will be in Hayes Auditorium on the college’s North Campus. Tickets are on sale now.
